Sparks re-sign Beard

Beard joined the Sparks as a free agent in February 2012. In three seasons with Los Angeles, Beard has averaged 8.7 points, 2.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds in 98 games.

"I personally am excited about being on the same team as Alana," said Sparks coach Brian Agler. "She is such a respected person, leader and player within the organization and the WNBA. We will lean heavily on her in all aspects of our team. I have great respect for her competitiveness and work ethic."

The four-time All-Star began her career with Washington, playing six seasons with the Mystics before missing 2010 and 2011 with injuries.